James Donald Ross
James Donald Ross, age 92, of Stevens Point, passed away with his loving and devoted wife, Persy, by his side on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 at Dimensions Assisted Living Facility in Stevens Point. James was born at home in the Town of Browning on April 9, 1932; the second son of 11 children to the late Arthur and Christina (Bach) Ross. He attended Medford Area Schools and in 1949 became one of the charter members of the Medford National Guard. James graduated from Medford High in 1951.
In 1956 he volunteered for the army and after basic training at Fort Ord, Calif., he attended the University of Maryland at Baltimore and graduated from Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga., in advanced study of electrical equipment and communications. Finally, he was stationed in Germany at various bases as a courier until the end of his active service.
After coming home from Germany, James worked with his dad in the remodeling business. In 1960 he moved to Stevens Point and worked at Duralum Siding and Roofing for 13 years with his brother Carroll. Then James, along with his brother Gerald, established their own business in retail siding and remodeling, which they named Specialty Construction.
James married Priscilla Neitzel on June 28, 1966 in Milan, and had two daughters; Lani Jo and Carissa Mary. Together, the newlyweds ventured into a
1932-2024
student housing business in 1968 until 1991 when they further established Appleway Apartments, which continues today. James was also a founding member of CWAA (Central Wisconsin Apartment Association) where he served as president for one year.
James enjoyed traveling with family near and far, exploring all 50 states and the national parks, as well as fishing in Canada. He was a “Jack of all trades” and “fixer of all things.” He relished in the challenge of solving problems and was always determined to succeed.
James was preceded in death by his daughter, Carissa; parents, Arthur and Christina; and siblings, Eugene, Gerald, Carroll, Patricia, Rita, Marie and William. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla; and his daughter, Lani. He is further survived by his siblings, Elizabeth Brackus, Nancy Gavin, and Karen Soto, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 at Holy Spirit Parish, 2151 Stanley St., Stevens Point, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Fr. Steven Brice will officiate and Mass will conclude with Full Military Honors. Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Milan, WI. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com A BIG thank you to the team at Dimensions Assisted Living, Stevens Point, for their outstanding care of James during his final months. In addition, a special thank you to our loving and precious daughter, Lani, for her endless care and dedication of James during his final years.
Paid Obituary 158600
